Money well spent?

olddgreg
olddgreg Posts: 53
edited February 2010 in Road buying advice
First post, long time lurker, hello everyone! :)

I'm 18 and ride a specialized allez 09, sora groupset, alex s500 wheels that came with the bike and rubino tyres. It has an aluminium frame and carbon forks.

Have a grand to spend, and based on the revews and testimonies I have read on various sites combined with the look of the bike, the Boardman Team carbon is what I want to spend my money on.

I've never been a big spender, and I could spend my grand on other more useful (but not as fun!) things so I want to know: will the Boardman be money well spent? Will there be a noticable difference compared to my allez in terms of acceleration, speed, climbing, handling etc. I'm just nervous about parting with my money!

Any replies much appreciated!

Comments

  • hopper1
    hopper1 Posts: 4,389
    Welcome to BR! :wink:

    I'd say that the Boardman would be a better bike than the Allez. Carbon frame, better spec, top reviews, etc...
    I'm not an owner though, so can't give a comparison.
    If you do decide to go for the Boardman, there's one for sale in the 'classified' section...
    Start with a budget, finish with a mortgage!
  • seanoconn
    seanoconn Posts: 11,782
    Welcome olddgreg.

    I'd say the boardman would be hard to beat for better value for £1000 and a good upgrade from your allez. First thing i noticed was the smoothness of the ride with the team carbon compared to my old aluminium frame. It will be slightly better in all departments which adds up to a noticable difference. The boardman has a more aggressive riding position but that should't be any problem for an 18year old. Good luck and enjoy.
    Pinno, מלך אידיוט וחרא מכונאי
  • Squillinossett
    Squillinossett Posts: 1,678
    I have a Trek 1.5 and a Team Carbon, the boardman is worlds better than the Trek.
  • olddgreg
    olddgreg Posts: 53
    Welcome to BR! Wink
    Thanks Hopper, much appreciated!

    Thanks for your advice everyone.
    I have a Trek 1.5 and a Team Carbon, the boardman is worlds better than the Trek.

    Interesting, Squillinossett, I think the 1.5 is similar spec to my allez. One of my friends rides a 1.5, seems like a very nice bike IMO, in what way is the Boardman better?

    Also noticed your bike photos in the 'Your Road Bikes' section Squillinossett, lovely bike!
  • rake
    rake Posts: 3,204
    the boardman accelerates like a rocket and climbs easier you will notice most.
  • MikeWW
    MikeWW Posts: 723
    Not sure its the way to go
    Why not get a decent set of wheels instead-say something like the Mavic Ksyrium Elites
    Think you will find it would give you a noticeable improvement but for a 1/3 of your outlay
    www.lichfieldccc.org.uk
  • Squillinossett
    Squillinossett Posts: 1,678
    Its just quicker in every way over the trek, lighter, more responsive, but I have a few non-stock items on mine, mainly the EA90 SLs that will make a big difference!
  • MikeWW
    MikeWW Posts: 723
    Squillinossett wrote:
    Its just quicker in every way over the trek, lighter, more responsive, but I have a few non-stock items on mine, mainly the EA90 SLs that will make a big difference!
    Well some decent wheels like that will help a fair bit. Have you tried them on the Trek?
    www.lichfieldccc.org.uk
  • olddgreg
    olddgreg Posts: 53
    MikeWW wrote:
    Not sure its the way to go
    Why not get a decent set of wheels instead-say something like the Mavic Ksyrium Elites
    Think you will find it would give you a noticeable improvement but for a 1/3 of your outlay
    Thanks Mike a valid point.

    Food for thought!

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